Kemsley Man Fined For Unlicensed Waste Carrying

A Kemsley man, caught transporting scrap metal without a licence, is nearly a thousand pounds out of pocket after being prosecuted by Swale Borough Council.

David Varrier, of Ypres Drive, was stopped as part of a joint operation between the council and Kent Police in June 2018. He was found to be carrying the waste on Newbridge Avenue, Sittingbourne, without the necessary waste carrier certificate or waste transfer notes.

He was issued with a notice requiring him to produce the right documents, which he failed to comply with, and was issued fixed penalty notices which he failed to pay.

Cllr Tim Valentine, cabinet member for environment at the council, told SFM News: "We take these kinds of offences very seriously and will take whatever action is necessary to crack down on rogue traders and keep the borough tidy. We ask people who need to get rid of waste to do their part. Using unlicensed traders can result in your waste being fly-tipped, leaving local council taxpayers to foot the bill to clear up the mess. Having the right licence to transport waste shows businesses are legitimate and will dispose of waste responsibly.Anyone who takes away waste must have a licence. Simply ask to see it, and if they can't show one, find someone who can. If you don't, and the waste is found dumped, you could be prosecuted."

Mr Varrier pleaded guilty to two offences at Medway Magistrates Court last Wednesday (5th June) and was fined £360 for each offence and ordered to pay a £36 victim surcharge and £205 in costs. A collection order was granted should there be any issues with payment.

If you want to check whether someone is licenced to carry waste you can visit the Environment Agency website or call 03708 506506.

For more information about fly-tipping, and what Swale Borough Council is doing locally to tackle it, visit www.swale.gov.uk/fly-tipping.